(special thanks to Elreeta Weathers #47271637 for the following info) Elijah was a court clerk in Anderson, South Carolina for 40 years. He was married three times. First to Caroline Hammond on 18 March 1828, secondly to Rebecca (Gaillard) Scott in 1843 and thirdly to Rosa H. Waller.
THE ANDERSON INTELLIGENCER, Anderson Court House, S.C., Thursday Morning, August 28, 1873, Image 2
Death of Elijah Webb.
It is friendship's painful duty to announce that this well-known and highly-esteemed citizen departed this life at his residence in Anderson, with the rising of the morning sun, on Monday, the 25th of August instant. He had been stricken with apoplexy on Saturday _evening preceding, from, the effects of which he lingered, without apparent pain after the first paroxysm,, for- about forty hours. In the meantime, although deprived of the power of distinct speech, his consciousness was frequently manifested by the recognition of his friends, and he was doubtless at times entirely sensible. This condition, until near the hour of his dissolution. And yet not a struggle nor a groan escaped him during all that time, and he finally departed with the apparent composure of an infant falling asleep on his father's bosom, exhibiting in death the appearance of one who gently "Wraps the drapery of his couch about him, And lies down to pleasant dreams."
Mr. Webb was born of highly respectable parents on Seneca River, in. Anderson County, on the 13th of January, 1806, and was therefore in the 68th year of his age at his decease.
He continued to reside in the County, and but a few miles from the place of his nativity, his entire life, and during most of that time was perhaps better known locally, and enjoyed a higher degree of personal popularity, than any ether man who. has lived in the County. His educational opportunities in early life were limited to an acquisition of the elementary branches of the English tongue; but from his active j energetic and popular manners and disposition, he was, notwithstanding his limited education, employed in early life as a clerk in the mercantile establishment of the Messrs. Benson, at Pendleton, where he acquired those active business habits that laid the foundation of his success in life. He continued with these gentlemen at Pendleton until the settlement of the present town of Anderson, in 1827, when he removed with them to that place in charge of their business. He was, therefore, one of the very first settlers of Anderson, and the last survivor of those who resided there before 1830. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Caroline, an accomplished daughter of the then lately deceased Col. Dudley Hammond. With her he received a very handsome estate for the times, and soon thereafter embarked in business on his own account, in copartner ship with John Lipseomb, Esq., late of Edgefield County, deceased. He continued this connection, doing a large business for that day, until the fall of 1837, when he was elected Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Plans and General Sessions, and Register of Mesiie Conveyances, by a very large and nattering popular vote. He entered upon the duties of this office in February, 1838, and continued to hold it and discharge its varied duties, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the country as was manifested by his re-election at seven consecutive elections; on each occasion over men of high character and attainments for the period of twenty-eight years. Finally, at the close of the war, feeling the weight of years growing upon him, and recognizing the fact that others who were younger; and had recently served the State more actively, had claims to public favor that should be promptly acknowledged, he voluntarily retired from the Clerk's office, although the results of the war had reduced him, as it had done most men, until the perquisites would have been of great value to him, and has since devoted himself, in the midst of his family and friends, to the ordinary pursuits of the citizen.
We have said that Mr. Webb was better known locally, and enjoyed during most of his life a higher degree of personal popularity than perhaps any other man who has lived in the County. This was due in a measure to the integrity of his friendships, and the. frankness of his manners, but in a much higher degree, to his unbounded hospitality and generous, melting charity.
During the long years of his official life his house was ever open to his friends, and he entertained them, not in the spirit of one who was selfishly seeking to buy their favor, but with the kind, cheerful and cordial manners of earnest friendship; and as a result of this deportment, the income of his office, instead of being hoarded for future use, was returned to the County, in full measure. Not only was he distinguished for his generous hospitality and devoted friendships, but his hand was at all times "open as day to melting charity," and in him the poor and destitute ever found a friend who was willing to relieve their necessities to the extent of his ability:
"Far may we search before we find
A heart so manly or so kind
But not around his honored urn,
Shall friends alone and kindred mourn ;
The many eyes his care had dried
Pour at his name a bitter tide:
And frequent falls the grateful dew,
For benefits the world ne'er knew."
But it was in the family circle, surrounded by "wife, children and friends," dispensing the ordinary social duties, that Mr. Webb was most distinguished, and there be was best loved and will be longest mourned. Indeed, his position in these relations was peculiar, and from their peculiarity, the marked happiness which attended them was critically observed by all who know him.
During his life he was the husband of three wives, and father of three sets of children. His first wife, Miss Hammond, deceased in 1841, leaving a son and daughter surviving her.
The daughter became the wife of the late Gen. Samuel M. Wilkes, who fell at the first battle of Manassas. She still lives, and is at present the wife of I. 0. McDaniel, Esq., of Allatoona, Ga.
The son also survives the father, and is a resident of this community.
Acquiescing in the Providence that had called away the wife of his youth, and' seeing the necessity for one to supply the place of mother to his children, Mr. Webb, during the year 1843, intermarried with Rebecca Scott, the accomplished daughter of Charles Gaillard, then late of the city of Charleston. The fruit of this marriage was an only daughter, who became and is now the wife of Mr. James A. Hoyt, editor of the Anderson Intelligencer. In January, 1848, the second wife was called to her reward and during the year following he intermarried 1 with Rosa IT., daughter of Wtn. Waller, Esq.,also of the city of Charleston. The fruit of this marriage was a daughter and two Sons, all of whom, with their most excellent mother, are left surviving him, and with his former children,are called to mourn the loss of a father,, whose value in ;hat endearing relation can best be estimated by the depth of their grief, and the devoted attachment with which they cling to each other, and share each other's joys and sorrows for, although of three maternal lines, a peculity with them, learned from a father's admonition and sample, is that no children raised by the same mother were ever more attached to each other. Indeed, in the several relations of husband, father and friend, Mr. Webb was through life a model worthy to be imitated, and his loss is most keenly felt by all who occupied any one of these relations towards him.
That the public of the County and town of Anderson realize the loss they have sustained, was manifested by the very large concourse of people that assembled on Tuesday morning, 26th of August, to pay the last sad tribute to his memory. His remains were carried in procession from his residence to the Baptist Church, where appropriate religious services were performed by Rev. L. M. Ayer and Rev. J. S. Murray. Whilst the funeral cortege was moving, and during the services at the church, the stores were 2 closed, all business suspended, and a Sabbath's stillness pervaded the whole town, an impromptu-and beautiful demonstration paid by a whole people to the memory of one whom they had long known and loved. At the close of the services in the church, his body was deposited in a vault hard by, there to remain until the last, trump shall cause him to arise and meet his kindred in the air.
At his death, Mr. Webb had been a member of the Baptist Church in full fellowship for more than thirty years. For several of the earlier years of his profession, and frequently afterward,; during his pilgrimage, his light was set upon : bill, and be exhibited much zeal in this Master's cause. Then again, for a time, overwhelmed with the cares, the vanities and the vexations of the world, he would seem to have fallen away from his first love. But, during all these seasons of coldness and barrenness, there was a deep vein of religious feeling, unseen by the world, but' well known to his nearest friends, pervading his whole nature and he never despaired of his acceptance, with God. He is known to have been devoted to secret prayer, and at all times maintained an ardent faith in the divinity and saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Towards the close of his life, having less of the world to annoy. Him he gave more-attention to religious duties, and was a consant attendant on the services of the sanctuary. These circumstances, together with the peculiarly peaceful manner of his departure, and the indiant smile upon his countenance when meeting the king of terrors, impresses kindred and friends with the joyful hope and belief that ''their loss is his eternal gain." With these feelings and hopes, painful as is the separation wife, children and friends, with all the cheerfulness they can command, yield up their chief earthly comfort to "Him who doeth all things well." They have the sincere sympathy of all who know them, and especially is the condolence of their friends extended to the Editor and his family, who, in the space of one month, have been called to mourn the loss of his father and also the father of his beloved wife. May the Power which "tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb" preserve and bless them all. J. P. R.
THE ANDERSON INTELLIGENCER, Anderson Court House, S.C., Thursday Morning, August 28, 1873, Image 2
Death of Elijah Webb.
It is friendship's painful duty to announce that this well-known and highly-esteemed citizen departed this life at his residence in Anderson, with the rising of the morning sun, on Monday, the 25th of August instant. He had been stricken with apoplexy on Saturday _evening preceding, from, the effects of which he lingered, without apparent pain after the first paroxysm,, for- about forty hours. In the meantime, although deprived of the power of distinct speech, his consciousness was frequently manifested by the recognition of his friends, and he was doubtless at times entirely sensible. This condition, until near the hour of his dissolution. And yet not a struggle nor a groan escaped him during all that time, and he finally departed with the apparent composure of an infant falling asleep on his father's bosom, exhibiting in death the appearance of one who gently "Wraps the drapery of his couch about him, And lies down to pleasant dreams."
Mr. Webb was born of highly respectable parents on Seneca River, in. Anderson County, on the 13th of January, 1806, and was therefore in the 68th year of his age at his decease.
He continued to reside in the County, and but a few miles from the place of his nativity, his entire life, and during most of that time was perhaps better known locally, and enjoyed a higher degree of personal popularity, than any ether man who. has lived in the County. His educational opportunities in early life were limited to an acquisition of the elementary branches of the English tongue; but from his active j energetic and popular manners and disposition, he was, notwithstanding his limited education, employed in early life as a clerk in the mercantile establishment of the Messrs. Benson, at Pendleton, where he acquired those active business habits that laid the foundation of his success in life. He continued with these gentlemen at Pendleton until the settlement of the present town of Anderson, in 1827, when he removed with them to that place in charge of their business. He was, therefore, one of the very first settlers of Anderson, and the last survivor of those who resided there before 1830. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Caroline, an accomplished daughter of the then lately deceased Col. Dudley Hammond. With her he received a very handsome estate for the times, and soon thereafter embarked in business on his own account, in copartner ship with John Lipseomb, Esq., late of Edgefield County, deceased. He continued this connection, doing a large business for that day, until the fall of 1837, when he was elected Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Plans and General Sessions, and Register of Mesiie Conveyances, by a very large and nattering popular vote. He entered upon the duties of this office in February, 1838, and continued to hold it and discharge its varied duties, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the country as was manifested by his re-election at seven consecutive elections; on each occasion over men of high character and attainments for the period of twenty-eight years. Finally, at the close of the war, feeling the weight of years growing upon him, and recognizing the fact that others who were younger; and had recently served the State more actively, had claims to public favor that should be promptly acknowledged, he voluntarily retired from the Clerk's office, although the results of the war had reduced him, as it had done most men, until the perquisites would have been of great value to him, and has since devoted himself, in the midst of his family and friends, to the ordinary pursuits of the citizen.
We have said that Mr. Webb was better known locally, and enjoyed during most of his life a higher degree of personal popularity than perhaps any other man who has lived in the County. This was due in a measure to the integrity of his friendships, and the. frankness of his manners, but in a much higher degree, to his unbounded hospitality and generous, melting charity.
During the long years of his official life his house was ever open to his friends, and he entertained them, not in the spirit of one who was selfishly seeking to buy their favor, but with the kind, cheerful and cordial manners of earnest friendship; and as a result of this deportment, the income of his office, instead of being hoarded for future use, was returned to the County, in full measure. Not only was he distinguished for his generous hospitality and devoted friendships, but his hand was at all times "open as day to melting charity," and in him the poor and destitute ever found a friend who was willing to relieve their necessities to the extent of his ability:
"Far may we search before we find
A heart so manly or so kind
But not around his honored urn,
Shall friends alone and kindred mourn ;
The many eyes his care had dried
Pour at his name a bitter tide:
And frequent falls the grateful dew,
For benefits the world ne'er knew."
But it was in the family circle, surrounded by "wife, children and friends," dispensing the ordinary social duties, that Mr. Webb was most distinguished, and there be was best loved and will be longest mourned. Indeed, his position in these relations was peculiar, and from their peculiarity, the marked happiness which attended them was critically observed by all who know him.
During his life he was the husband of three wives, and father of three sets of children. His first wife, Miss Hammond, deceased in 1841, leaving a son and daughter surviving her.
The daughter became the wife of the late Gen. Samuel M. Wilkes, who fell at the first battle of Manassas. She still lives, and is at present the wife of I. 0. McDaniel, Esq., of Allatoona, Ga.
The son also survives the father, and is a resident of this community.
Acquiescing in the Providence that had called away the wife of his youth, and' seeing the necessity for one to supply the place of mother to his children, Mr. Webb, during the year 1843, intermarried with Rebecca Scott, the accomplished daughter of Charles Gaillard, then late of the city of Charleston. The fruit of this marriage was an only daughter, who became and is now the wife of Mr. James A. Hoyt, editor of the Anderson Intelligencer. In January, 1848, the second wife was called to her reward and during the year following he intermarried 1 with Rosa IT., daughter of Wtn. Waller, Esq.,also of the city of Charleston. The fruit of this marriage was a daughter and two Sons, all of whom, with their most excellent mother, are left surviving him, and with his former children,are called to mourn the loss of a father,, whose value in ;hat endearing relation can best be estimated by the depth of their grief, and the devoted attachment with which they cling to each other, and share each other's joys and sorrows for, although of three maternal lines, a peculity with them, learned from a father's admonition and sample, is that no children raised by the same mother were ever more attached to each other. Indeed, in the several relations of husband, father and friend, Mr. Webb was through life a model worthy to be imitated, and his loss is most keenly felt by all who occupied any one of these relations towards him.
That the public of the County and town of Anderson realize the loss they have sustained, was manifested by the very large concourse of people that assembled on Tuesday morning, 26th of August, to pay the last sad tribute to his memory. His remains were carried in procession from his residence to the Baptist Church, where appropriate religious services were performed by Rev. L. M. Ayer and Rev. J. S. Murray. Whilst the funeral cortege was moving, and during the services at the church, the stores were 2 closed, all business suspended, and a Sabbath's stillness pervaded the whole town, an impromptu-and beautiful demonstration paid by a whole people to the memory of one whom they had long known and loved. At the close of the services in the church, his body was deposited in a vault hard by, there to remain until the last, trump shall cause him to arise and meet his kindred in the air.
At his death, Mr. Webb had been a member of the Baptist Church in full fellowship for more than thirty years. For several of the earlier years of his profession, and frequently afterward,; during his pilgrimage, his light was set upon : bill, and be exhibited much zeal in this Master's cause. Then again, for a time, overwhelmed with the cares, the vanities and the vexations of the world, he would seem to have fallen away from his first love. But, during all these seasons of coldness and barrenness, there was a deep vein of religious feeling, unseen by the world, but' well known to his nearest friends, pervading his whole nature and he never despaired of his acceptance, with God. He is known to have been devoted to secret prayer, and at all times maintained an ardent faith in the divinity and saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Towards the close of his life, having less of the world to annoy. Him he gave more-attention to religious duties, and was a consant attendant on the services of the sanctuary. These circumstances, together with the peculiarly peaceful manner of his departure, and the indiant smile upon his countenance when meeting the king of terrors, impresses kindred and friends with the joyful hope and belief that ''their loss is his eternal gain." With these feelings and hopes, painful as is the separation wife, children and friends, with all the cheerfulness they can command, yield up their chief earthly comfort to "Him who doeth all things well." They have the sincere sympathy of all who know them, and especially is the condolence of their friends extended to the Editor and his family, who, in the space of one month, have been called to mourn the loss of his father and also the father of his beloved wife. May the Power which "tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb" preserve and bless them all. J. P. R.
(special thanks to Elreeta Weathers #47271637 for the following info) Elijah was a court clerk in Anderson, South Carolina for 40 years. He was married three times. First to Caroline Hammond on 18 March 1828, secondly to Rebecca (Gaillard) Scott in 1843 and thirdly to Rosa H. Waller.
THE ANDERSON INTELLIGENCER, Anderson Court House, S.C., Thursday Morning, August 28, 1873, Image 2
Death of Elijah Webb.
It is friendship's painful duty to announce that this well-known and highly-esteemed citizen departed this life at his residence in Anderson, with the rising of the morning sun, on Monday, the 25th of August instant. He had been stricken with apoplexy on Saturday _evening preceding, from, the effects of which he lingered, without apparent pain after the first paroxysm,, for- about forty hours. In the meantime, although deprived of the power of distinct speech, his consciousness was frequently manifested by the recognition of his friends, and he was doubtless at times entirely sensible. This condition, until near the hour of his dissolution. And yet not a struggle nor a groan escaped him during all that time, and he finally departed with the apparent composure of an infant falling asleep on his father's bosom, exhibiting in death the appearance of one who gently "Wraps the drapery of his couch about him, And lies down to pleasant dreams."
Mr. Webb was born of highly respectable parents on Seneca River, in. Anderson County, on the 13th of January, 1806, and was therefore in the 68th year of his age at his decease.
He continued to reside in the County, and but a few miles from the place of his nativity, his entire life, and during most of that time was perhaps better known locally, and enjoyed a higher degree of personal popularity, than any ether man who. has lived in the County. His educational opportunities in early life were limited to an acquisition of the elementary branches of the English tongue; but from his active j energetic and popular manners and disposition, he was, notwithstanding his limited education, employed in early life as a clerk in the mercantile establishment of the Messrs. Benson, at Pendleton, where he acquired those active business habits that laid the foundation of his success in life. He continued with these gentlemen at Pendleton until the settlement of the present town of Anderson, in 1827, when he removed with them to that place in charge of their business. He was, therefore, one of the very first settlers of Anderson, and the last survivor of those who resided there before 1830. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Caroline, an accomplished daughter of the then lately deceased Col. Dudley Hammond. With her he received a very handsome estate for the times, and soon thereafter embarked in business on his own account, in copartner ship with John Lipseomb, Esq., late of Edgefield County, deceased. He continued this connection, doing a large business for that day, until the fall of 1837, when he was elected Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Plans and General Sessions, and Register of Mesiie Conveyances, by a very large and nattering popular vote. He entered upon the duties of this office in February, 1838, and continued to hold it and discharge its varied duties, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the country as was manifested by his re-election at seven consecutive elections; on each occasion over men of high character and attainments for the period of twenty-eight years. Finally, at the close of the war, feeling the weight of years growing upon him, and recognizing the fact that others who were younger; and had recently served the State more actively, had claims to public favor that should be promptly acknowledged, he voluntarily retired from the Clerk's office, although the results of the war had reduced him, as it had done most men, until the perquisites would have been of great value to him, and has since devoted himself, in the midst of his family and friends, to the ordinary pursuits of the citizen.
We have said that Mr. Webb was better known locally, and enjoyed during most of his life a higher degree of personal popularity than perhaps any other man who has lived in the County. This was due in a measure to the integrity of his friendships, and the. frankness of his manners, but in a much higher degree, to his unbounded hospitality and generous, melting charity.
During the long years of his official life his house was ever open to his friends, and he entertained them, not in the spirit of one who was selfishly seeking to buy their favor, but with the kind, cheerful and cordial manners of earnest friendship; and as a result of this deportment, the income of his office, instead of being hoarded for future use, was returned to the County, in full measure. Not only was he distinguished for his generous hospitality and devoted friendships, but his hand was at all times "open as day to melting charity," and in him the poor and destitute ever found a friend who was willing to relieve their necessities to the extent of his ability:
"Far may we search before we find
A heart so manly or so kind
But not around his honored urn,
Shall friends alone and kindred mourn ;
The many eyes his care had dried
Pour at his name a bitter tide:
And frequent falls the grateful dew,
For benefits the world ne'er knew."
But it was in the family circle, surrounded by "wife, children and friends," dispensing the ordinary social duties, that Mr. Webb was most distinguished, and there be was best loved and will be longest mourned. Indeed, his position in these relations was peculiar, and from their peculiarity, the marked happiness which attended them was critically observed by all who know him.
During his life he was the husband of three wives, and father of three sets of children. His first wife, Miss Hammond, deceased in 1841, leaving a son and daughter surviving her.
The daughter became the wife of the late Gen. Samuel M. Wilkes, who fell at the first battle of Manassas. She still lives, and is at present the wife of I. 0. McDaniel, Esq., of Allatoona, Ga.
The son also survives the father, and is a resident of this community.
Acquiescing in the Providence that had called away the wife of his youth, and' seeing the necessity for one to supply the place of mother to his children, Mr. Webb, during the year 1843, intermarried with Rebecca Scott, the accomplished daughter of Charles Gaillard, then late of the city of Charleston. The fruit of this marriage was an only daughter, who became and is now the wife of Mr. James A. Hoyt, editor of the Anderson Intelligencer. In January, 1848, the second wife was called to her reward and during the year following he intermarried 1 with Rosa IT., daughter of Wtn. Waller, Esq.,also of the city of Charleston. The fruit of this marriage was a daughter and two Sons, all of whom, with their most excellent mother, are left surviving him, and with his former children,are called to mourn the loss of a father,, whose value in ;hat endearing relation can best be estimated by the depth of their grief, and the devoted attachment with which they cling to each other, and share each other's joys and sorrows for, although of three maternal lines, a peculity with them, learned from a father's admonition and sample, is that no children raised by the same mother were ever more attached to each other. Indeed, in the several relations of husband, father and friend, Mr. Webb was through life a model worthy to be imitated, and his loss is most keenly felt by all who occupied any one of these relations towards him.
That the public of the County and town of Anderson realize the loss they have sustained, was manifested by the very large concourse of people that assembled on Tuesday morning, 26th of August, to pay the last sad tribute to his memory. His remains were carried in procession from his residence to the Baptist Church, where appropriate religious services were performed by Rev. L. M. Ayer and Rev. J. S. Murray. Whilst the funeral cortege was moving, and during the services at the church, the stores were 2 closed, all business suspended, and a Sabbath's stillness pervaded the whole town, an impromptu-and beautiful demonstration paid by a whole people to the memory of one whom they had long known and loved. At the close of the services in the church, his body was deposited in a vault hard by, there to remain until the last, trump shall cause him to arise and meet his kindred in the air.
At his death, Mr. Webb had been a member of the Baptist Church in full fellowship for more than thirty years. For several of the earlier years of his profession, and frequently afterward,; during his pilgrimage, his light was set upon : bill, and be exhibited much zeal in this Master's cause. Then again, for a time, overwhelmed with the cares, the vanities and the vexations of the world, he would seem to have fallen away from his first love. But, during all these seasons of coldness and barrenness, there was a deep vein of religious feeling, unseen by the world, but' well known to his nearest friends, pervading his whole nature and he never despaired of his acceptance, with God. He is known to have been devoted to secret prayer, and at all times maintained an ardent faith in the divinity and saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Towards the close of his life, having less of the world to annoy. Him he gave more-attention to religious duties, and was a consant attendant on the services of the sanctuary. These circumstances, together with the peculiarly peaceful manner of his departure, and the indiant smile upon his countenance when meeting the king of terrors, impresses kindred and friends with the joyful hope and belief that ''their loss is his eternal gain." With these feelings and hopes, painful as is the separation wife, children and friends, with all the cheerfulness they can command, yield up their chief earthly comfort to "Him who doeth all things well." They have the sincere sympathy of all who know them, and especially is the condolence of their friends extended to the Editor and his family, who, in the space of one month, have been called to mourn the loss of his father and also the father of his beloved wife. May the Power which "tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb" preserve and bless them all. J. P. R.
THE ANDERSON INTELLIGENCER, Anderson Court House, S.C., Thursday Morning, August 28, 1873, Image 2
Death of Elijah Webb.
It is friendship's painful duty to announce that this well-known and highly-esteemed citizen departed this life at his residence in Anderson, with the rising of the morning sun, on Monday, the 25th of August instant. He had been stricken with apoplexy on Saturday _evening preceding, from, the effects of which he lingered, without apparent pain after the first paroxysm,, for- about forty hours. In the meantime, although deprived of the power of distinct speech, his consciousness was frequently manifested by the recognition of his friends, and he was doubtless at times entirely sensible. This condition, until near the hour of his dissolution. And yet not a struggle nor a groan escaped him during all that time, and he finally departed with the apparent composure of an infant falling asleep on his father's bosom, exhibiting in death the appearance of one who gently "Wraps the drapery of his couch about him, And lies down to pleasant dreams."
Mr. Webb was born of highly respectable parents on Seneca River, in. Anderson County, on the 13th of January, 1806, and was therefore in the 68th year of his age at his decease.
He continued to reside in the County, and but a few miles from the place of his nativity, his entire life, and during most of that time was perhaps better known locally, and enjoyed a higher degree of personal popularity, than any ether man who. has lived in the County. His educational opportunities in early life were limited to an acquisition of the elementary branches of the English tongue; but from his active j energetic and popular manners and disposition, he was, notwithstanding his limited education, employed in early life as a clerk in the mercantile establishment of the Messrs. Benson, at Pendleton, where he acquired those active business habits that laid the foundation of his success in life. He continued with these gentlemen at Pendleton until the settlement of the present town of Anderson, in 1827, when he removed with them to that place in charge of their business. He was, therefore, one of the very first settlers of Anderson, and the last survivor of those who resided there before 1830. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Caroline, an accomplished daughter of the then lately deceased Col. Dudley Hammond. With her he received a very handsome estate for the times, and soon thereafter embarked in business on his own account, in copartner ship with John Lipseomb, Esq., late of Edgefield County, deceased. He continued this connection, doing a large business for that day, until the fall of 1837, when he was elected Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Plans and General Sessions, and Register of Mesiie Conveyances, by a very large and nattering popular vote. He entered upon the duties of this office in February, 1838, and continued to hold it and discharge its varied duties, with credit to himself and satisfaction to the country as was manifested by his re-election at seven consecutive elections; on each occasion over men of high character and attainments for the period of twenty-eight years. Finally, at the close of the war, feeling the weight of years growing upon him, and recognizing the fact that others who were younger; and had recently served the State more actively, had claims to public favor that should be promptly acknowledged, he voluntarily retired from the Clerk's office, although the results of the war had reduced him, as it had done most men, until the perquisites would have been of great value to him, and has since devoted himself, in the midst of his family and friends, to the ordinary pursuits of the citizen.
We have said that Mr. Webb was better known locally, and enjoyed during most of his life a higher degree of personal popularity than perhaps any other man who has lived in the County. This was due in a measure to the integrity of his friendships, and the. frankness of his manners, but in a much higher degree, to his unbounded hospitality and generous, melting charity.
During the long years of his official life his house was ever open to his friends, and he entertained them, not in the spirit of one who was selfishly seeking to buy their favor, but with the kind, cheerful and cordial manners of earnest friendship; and as a result of this deportment, the income of his office, instead of being hoarded for future use, was returned to the County, in full measure. Not only was he distinguished for his generous hospitality and devoted friendships, but his hand was at all times "open as day to melting charity," and in him the poor and destitute ever found a friend who was willing to relieve their necessities to the extent of his ability:
"Far may we search before we find
A heart so manly or so kind
But not around his honored urn,
Shall friends alone and kindred mourn ;
The many eyes his care had dried
Pour at his name a bitter tide:
And frequent falls the grateful dew,
For benefits the world ne'er knew."
But it was in the family circle, surrounded by "wife, children and friends," dispensing the ordinary social duties, that Mr. Webb was most distinguished, and there be was best loved and will be longest mourned. Indeed, his position in these relations was peculiar, and from their peculiarity, the marked happiness which attended them was critically observed by all who know him.
During his life he was the husband of three wives, and father of three sets of children. His first wife, Miss Hammond, deceased in 1841, leaving a son and daughter surviving her.
The daughter became the wife of the late Gen. Samuel M. Wilkes, who fell at the first battle of Manassas. She still lives, and is at present the wife of I. 0. McDaniel, Esq., of Allatoona, Ga.
The son also survives the father, and is a resident of this community.
Acquiescing in the Providence that had called away the wife of his youth, and' seeing the necessity for one to supply the place of mother to his children, Mr. Webb, during the year 1843, intermarried with Rebecca Scott, the accomplished daughter of Charles Gaillard, then late of the city of Charleston. The fruit of this marriage was an only daughter, who became and is now the wife of Mr. James A. Hoyt, editor of the Anderson Intelligencer. In January, 1848, the second wife was called to her reward and during the year following he intermarried 1 with Rosa IT., daughter of Wtn. Waller, Esq.,also of the city of Charleston. The fruit of this marriage was a daughter and two Sons, all of whom, with their most excellent mother, are left surviving him, and with his former children,are called to mourn the loss of a father,, whose value in ;hat endearing relation can best be estimated by the depth of their grief, and the devoted attachment with which they cling to each other, and share each other's joys and sorrows for, although of three maternal lines, a peculity with them, learned from a father's admonition and sample, is that no children raised by the same mother were ever more attached to each other. Indeed, in the several relations of husband, father and friend, Mr. Webb was through life a model worthy to be imitated, and his loss is most keenly felt by all who occupied any one of these relations towards him.
That the public of the County and town of Anderson realize the loss they have sustained, was manifested by the very large concourse of people that assembled on Tuesday morning, 26th of August, to pay the last sad tribute to his memory. His remains were carried in procession from his residence to the Baptist Church, where appropriate religious services were performed by Rev. L. M. Ayer and Rev. J. S. Murray. Whilst the funeral cortege was moving, and during the services at the church, the stores were 2 closed, all business suspended, and a Sabbath's stillness pervaded the whole town, an impromptu-and beautiful demonstration paid by a whole people to the memory of one whom they had long known and loved. At the close of the services in the church, his body was deposited in a vault hard by, there to remain until the last, trump shall cause him to arise and meet his kindred in the air.
At his death, Mr. Webb had been a member of the Baptist Church in full fellowship for more than thirty years. For several of the earlier years of his profession, and frequently afterward,; during his pilgrimage, his light was set upon : bill, and be exhibited much zeal in this Master's cause. Then again, for a time, overwhelmed with the cares, the vanities and the vexations of the world, he would seem to have fallen away from his first love. But, during all these seasons of coldness and barrenness, there was a deep vein of religious feeling, unseen by the world, but' well known to his nearest friends, pervading his whole nature and he never despaired of his acceptance, with God. He is known to have been devoted to secret prayer, and at all times maintained an ardent faith in the divinity and saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Towards the close of his life, having less of the world to annoy. Him he gave more-attention to religious duties, and was a consant attendant on the services of the sanctuary. These circumstances, together with the peculiarly peaceful manner of his departure, and the indiant smile upon his countenance when meeting the king of terrors, impresses kindred and friends with the joyful hope and belief that ''their loss is his eternal gain." With these feelings and hopes, painful as is the separation wife, children and friends, with all the cheerfulness they can command, yield up their chief earthly comfort to "Him who doeth all things well." They have the sincere sympathy of all who know them, and especially is the condolence of their friends extended to the Editor and his family, who, in the space of one month, have been called to mourn the loss of his father and also the father of his beloved wife. May the Power which "tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb" preserve and bless them all. J. P. R.
Gravesite Details
Contributor of memorial has a chest of drawers which once belonged to Elijah Webb
Family Members
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